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But a welcome outcome is also a very dangerous precedent https://youtu.be/34OTi6WXB4A Venezuela was once one of Latin America’s most prosperous countries. Sitting atop the world’s largest proven oil reserves, it should have been a beacon of wealth and development. Instead, over the past quarter-century Venezuela has been economically, politically, and socially destroyed by a bunch of criminals falsely claiming to represent...

The war in Ukraine will end in 2026 or 2027 only if Putin falls from power (thanks to domestic, external or natural factors) or if the Russian army is driven out of Ukraine, such as it were defeated like Nazi Germany  and the situation could catalyze the collapse of the dictator (which also happened in the case of Nazi...

At least 40 people died and 119 are injured at a deadly fire at the Swiss resort of Crans Montana. Romania offers support to Switzerland. A Romanian is reported missing following a fire that broke out in a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana on Thursday that killed more than 40. The Romanian foreign ministry said its embassy in...

In the early hours of the New Year, hundreds of revelers at Le Constellation bar were partying at an upscale Swiss resort. Music thumped, champagne flowed, and people celebrated in Crans Montana, a high-end bar , high in the mountains. Waitresses paraded champagne bottles, a lighted sparkler placed in each bottle, adding to the festivities and fun. In an instant, less...

Prediction is always a dicey, hubristic business. But in today’s episode of Critical Conditions, Claire Berlinski and I took the plunge anyway. Our preview of 2026 suggests a year in which deferred truths become politically unavoidable — a year of decisions and reckonings. We are reaching a breaking point. GIFT A SUBSCRIPTION! In trying to divine what the near future might...

Italy has pledged to continue and extend its military and civilian support for Ukraine through 2026.  The new decree allows Rome to maintain weapons transfers and logistical support to Ukraine.  The measure will now require parliamentary approval. Since 2022, Italy has supplied Ukraine with €3 billion in military and civilian aid.  This includes logistics, medical support and defensive equipment.  Renewal of exceptional residence permits...

An explosion and subsequent fire occurred in a bar in a popular Swiss ski resort early Thursday has left 40 people presumed dead and another 100 injured, officials said. The blast may have been caused by sparklers placed in champagne bottles according to eyewitnesses who were at a concert at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana. They said the blaze rapidly...

Romania has joined a US-led initiative to boost Ukraine’s defenses, committing $58 million, according to the foreign ministry, a move to support Ukraine and the wider region against Russian aggression. The Romanian government approved the amount as part of the 2025 budget, aligning with an a move by the United States and its allies to give multi-nation support to Ukraine’s...

From January 1, 2026, taxes in Romania increase for both individuals and companies, as a result of recent austerity measures.  Most saliently, Romanians will pay property taxes up to three times higher on homes and land.  Car taxes also rise and apply even to fully electric vehicles, which have so far been exempt.  Below are the precise details.  Property taxes for individuals will...

Hungary has been stripped of its access to significant EU aid after it was found that the Hungarian state breached rule of law, failing to reform by the set deadline of December 2025.  The European Commission informs that these are funds of over than €1 billion, which would have been released to Hungary should it have changed laws to prevent...